Eligibility

Protocol for colleges dropping/disbanding programs

Dec 02, 2016

The following information outlines the parameters for when a NJCAA member college drops sports programs, shuts down athletics, the institution closes or decides the leave the association. It also details the rules and procedures on the recruitment of affected student-athletes.

When a current NJCAA member college has officially announced to the NJCAA National Office their intent to either leave the NJCAA or join another association, drop specific sports, drop athletics in its entirety or the college is closing in the subsequent year, the following will apply

Recruiting may take place of NJCAA student-athletes once the sport season in question has concluded.

Member college leaving the NJCAA does not have to wait until the student-athlete is released from another NJCAA institution, it only has to wait until the season in question is over.

Allowance is not permissible if the college has not officially notified the NJCAA National Office.

How does a college that is leaving the NJCAA notify the NJCAA National Office?

Provide in writing on college letterhead a statement outlining the date the college will no longer be a member of the NJCAA. Letter must be signed by the athletic director and college president.

FAQ

May the departing college sign current NJCAA student-athletes at their institution to scholarship agreements associated with the new association? YES.

When may the departing college sign current NJCAA student-athletes at other NJCAA member institutions to scholarship agreements associated with the new association? Once the NJCAA National Office has been officially notified of the college’s intent to leave the association and the sport season in question has concluded at both NJCAA institutions.

When do current NJCAA student-athletes become recruitable by a college which has notified the NJCAA they will be leaving to join another intercollegiate association or dropping programs? Once the season in question has concluded and the NJCAA National Office has been officially notified.

When a current member college has officially announced to the NJCAA National Office there intent to either leave the NJCAA or join another association, drop specific sports, drop athletics in its entirety or the school is closing in the subsequent year, is an online LOI Release required to recruit those students? Students become recruitable once the sport season in question has concluded and the institution has notified the NJCAA National Office of its intent. If those two parameters have been met, then the Online LOI Release is not required for these student-athlete to become recruitable.

In the case where a student-athlete transfers to a member college from an institution which was an NJCAA member college in the previous year but is no longer a member of the NJCAA is a Transfer Waiver still required? No since the institution which the student is transferring from is no longer an NJCAA member college.

In the case where a student-athlete transfers to a member college from an institution which was an NJCAA member college in the previous year but is no longer a member of the NJCAA is a Transfer Tracking Form still required? Yes, the tracking form is still required as it confirms the student’s enrollment and participation.

In the case where a student-athlete transfers to a member college from an institution which dropped specific sports or dropped athletics in its entirety is the Transfer Waiver form and or the Transfer Tracking Form required? In this scenario the Transfer Waiver Form is not required but the Transfer Tracking Form is still required.

In the case where a student-athlete transfers to a member college from an institution which has closed is the Transfer Waiver Form and or the Transfer Tracking Form required? In this scenario neither form is required however, the college is fully responsible for vetting the student’s history and is responsible for ensuring the student’s eligibility in the NJCAA. Any violation resulting from inaccurate information remains with the member college certifying the student-athlete in question.